2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Mazda CX-70

$30,350 · Crossover

$42,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary disparity between the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 is the $11,900 MSRP gap, starting at $30,350 for the Escape versus $42,250 for the CX-70. This price difference correlates with significant performance variations; the CX-70 delivers 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Escape's 180 hp and 199 lb-ft. Fuel economy favors the Escape, achieving 30 combined MPG (27/34 City/Highway) compared to the CX-70’s 25 combined MPG (24/28). The Mazda is a larger vehicle, measuring 200.8 inches in length versus the Escape's 180.1 inches, yet the Escape offers slightly less cargo space at 37.5 cu ft compared to the CX-70's 39.6 cu ft. Furthermore, the CX-70 includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) while the Escape utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG efficiency rating, minimizing long-term fuel expenditure.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 provides more overall size, with a longer 200.8-inch frame and greater 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity for family utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-70

The Mazda CX-70 is the clear performance leader, boasting a significant 100 hp advantage with 280 hp and standard AWD.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape provides better entry-level value by being $11,900 cheaper while still delivering respectable efficiency and utility figures.

Choose the Ford Escape if...

Your primary concern is minimizing running costs, highlighted by the 30 combined MPG rating.
You require a lower initial purchase price, starting at the $30,350 MSRP.
Standard FWD configuration is sufficient for your typical driving conditions.

Choose the Mazda CX-70 if...

Maximum performance is desired, evidenced by the 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque figures.
You need the added traction and stability of the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prioritize maximum cargo utility, offering 39.6 cu ft compared to the Escape's 37.5 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Escape	Mazda CX-70
Length	180.1"	200.8"
Width	74.1"	-
Height	66.0"	68.2"
Wheelbase	106.7"	122.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	3.3 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	180 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	332 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	12	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	24/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/503.2 mi.	444.0/518.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Steering Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	56.2 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	55.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	275/45R21
Wheel Size	—	21 x 9.5 in.
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	8 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Escape and 2026 Mazda CX-70.

What is the primary cost difference between the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Mazda CX-70?

The 2026 Mazda CX-70 has an MSRP of $42,250, which is $11,900 more expensive than the 2026 Ford Escape starting at $30,350. This substantial upfront cost difference reflects the significant upgrades in performance and size offered by the CX-70.

How significant is the performance gap between the two crossovers?

The performance gap is very pronounced, with the CX-70 producing 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque compared to the Escape's 180 hp and 199 lb-ft. This 100 hp difference positions the CX-70 as the performance choice, even though both use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily commuting?

The Ford Escape offers demonstrably better fuel economy, achieving a combined rating of 30 MPG versus the CX-70's 25 combined MPG. Commuters will notice the Escape's 34 MPG highway rating versus the CX-70's 28 MPG highway rating.

Does drivetrain type differ between the 2026 models?

Yes, the listed specifications show the Ford Escape comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). In contrast, the Mazda CX-70 comes equipped with All Wheel Drive (AWD), impacting handling capabilities in varied weather.

Is the larger Mazda CX-70 better for hauling cargo?

The Mazda CX-70 is physically larger overall, measuring 200.8 inches in length compared to the Escape's 180.1 inches. This translates to a marginally better cargo capacity, offering 39.6 cu ft against the Escape's 37.5 cu ft.

Are both vehicles restricted to regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2026 Ford Escape and the 2026 Mazda CX-70 are listed as using regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the necessity for premium octane.